Saddles and Summits Success

Their aim was to cycle from John O’ Groats to Land’s End while also climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales to raise money for the RNLI.

With months of pre-planning, the meticulously scheduled route saw them cycle 1,015 miles with 22 miles of climbing to reach the summits.

Dan and Nathan set off at 6am on Monday 6 October with the remnants of Storm Amy still blowing, carrying their own kit and without a support vehicle.

They endured wind, rain, sunshine, punctures, and long nights with not much sleep but were rewarded with some amazing sights and experiences. They were spurred on by continued messages of support from family, friends and supporters from up and down the country, who were able to follow their progress via a tracker. At the finish they were greeted by a group of supporters including some Walmer volunteers who had travelled to Cornwall specially to meet them.

Dan said: ‘We’ve been blown away by all the support throughout the trip. The comments from helped us through some demanding and exhausting days. Every donation helps the RNLI keep saving lives, and that’s what this is all about.’

Nathan added: ‘The messages of support we received while on the journey really motivated us to push through the tough moments.'

Initially aiming to raise £2,000, their efforts have raised nearly an astonishing £14.000 including Gift Aid.

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]

• Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (South East) on 07483 488243 jessica_curtis@rnli.org.uk

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.